Watching the NBA playoffs, one might occasionally see some jaw-dropping upsets that leave fans in disbelief. These moments stick with you, especially if you're the underdog fan. Think back to the 2007 "We Believe" Golden State Warriors, an eighth seed team who took out the mighty first-seeded Dallas Mavericks in a 4-2 series win. That wasn't just an upset; it was a shockwave through the league. Here’s a cool fact for you – the Mavericks had a stellar regular-season record of 67-15. Shaking up everyone’s playoff brackets, the Warriors essentially said, "Don’t count out the little guys."
Another memorable upset came in 2011 when the Memphis Grizzlies, who scraped into the playoffs as the eighth seed, rolled over the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. The Grizzlies had never won a playoff series until that point. You could almost hear the collective gasp from fans when they took the series 4-2. They relied significantly on their tough defense, outscoring the Spurs 99-91 in game six to clinch it. The Spurs had entered the playoffs with 61 wins and all the expectations that came with such a record. It was a classic David versus Goliath story.
If any series screamed upset, it had to be in the 1994 playoffs when the Denver Nuggets, led by Dikembe Mutombo, stunned the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics. The Nuggets were the first eighth-seed to defeat a number one seed in NBA history, and boy, did they do it in dramatic fashion. They won the five-game series 3-2, sealing the final game in overtime. Mutombo’s emotional celebration, holding the ball and lying on the floor, became an iconic moment. The SuperSonics had finished the season with a 63-19 record, and it seemed not even the harsh Denver altitude could save them from destiny.
In 1999, a lockout-shortened season saw the New York Knicks making history by becoming the first eighth-seed to reach the NBA Finals. Their improbable run included slaying the top-seeded Miami Heat in a 3-2 series victory. The Knicks had just squeaked into the playoffs with a 27-23 record. They became road warriors, winning pivotal games away from Madison Square Garden. Alan Houston’s running jumper with 0.8 seconds left in game five against the Heat remains goosebump-inducing.
Fast forward to 2012, and you’ll see the Philadelphia 76ers dismantling the Chicago Bulls after their star Derrick Rose’s horrific ACL injury in game one. It tilted the balance dramatically in the 76ers’ favor. Winning that series 4-2, they showcased the cruel reality of sports where injuries can affect even the strongest teams. The Bulls had ended the regular season with the league’s best record of 50-16, only to be brought down by the ninth-seeded Sixers.
The 2016 playoffs weren't any less thrilling when the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite being a lower-seeded team, took down the formidable San Antonio Spurs in a 4-2 series in the Western Conference semifinals. The Spurs had racked an astonishing 67-15 record during the regular season, making this upset a big deal. The clash often felt like NBA Finals-level quality, with the Thunder's dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook bringing their A-game.
Sometimes, even a team led by LeBron James can stumble. In 2010, the sixth-seeded Boston Celtics defeated the number one seed Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This series essentially marked the end of LeBron’s first tenure with Cleveland. With a regular-season record of 61-21, the Cavs were heavily favored. Despite LeBron’s heroic efforts, the Celtics’ relentless defense and experience proved too much.
There’s something uniquely thrilling about these upsets. They remind us that no matter the odds or the stats, the game's unpredictability is what makes it so captivating. Every now and then, David still slays Goliath. To see some of these unforgettable moments, you can visit arena plus for some exciting highlights and complete your trip down memory lane.